subcutáneo
/subkuˈtaneo/
The English word subcutaneous is translated into Spanish as subcutáneo.
This adjective pertains to the fatty layer under the skin.
Meaning: pertaining to the fatty layer under the skin (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a direct cognate of the English word subcutaneous, combining the prefix sub- (under) with cutáneo (relating to the skin).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, hipodérmico may be used instead of subcutáneo when referring to something applied below the skin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form subcutánea when referring to a feminine noun like capa (layer). It takes the masculine plural form subcutáneos when modifying masculine plural nouns like tejidos (tissues) and the feminine plural form subcutáneas when modifying feminine plural nouns like grasas (fats).
How do you pronounce it?
/subkuˈtaneo/
Did you know?
- Medical professionals in Spain and Latin America often shorten inyección subcutánea to simply la subcutánea when speaking informally among colleagues.
- The term hipodérmico is actually a Greek-derived alternative to the Latin-derived subcutáneo, where 'hypo' means 'under' and 'derma' means 'skin'.
- While subcutáneo describes the anatomical layer, the word hipodérmico is the standard term used on medical packaging for the needles used to deliver these injections.
Examples in context
- El medicamento se administra por vía subcutánea.The medication is administered subcutaneously.
- Se realizó una incisión subcutánea para insertar el implante.A subcutaneous incision was made to insert the implant.
- La inyección debe aplicarse debajo de la piel.The injection should be applied underneath the skin.
- El medicamento se absorbe debajo de la piel.The medication is absorbed underneath the skin.
- El tejido subcutáneo es muy importante.The subcutaneous tissue is very important.
- Es un proceso de absorción subcutáneo.It is a subcutaneous absorption process.
Example conversation
Mateo is at the pharmacy talking to María about a medication.
- MateoHola, María. ¿Cómo se usa este medicamento?Hi, María. How do I use this medication?
- MaríaEs un tratamiento subcutáneo, Mateo.It is a subcutaneous treatment, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Debo usar una aguja muy larga?Should I use a very long needle?
- MaríaNo, la aguja para el tejido subcutáneo es corta.No, the needle for subcutaneous tissue is short.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “subcutaneous” translations and entries subcutáneo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
